Cheapest fixed energy tariff to switch to today (UK)
Find fixed deals available for your home right now, see what “cheapest” really means, and switch with confidence using a whole-of-market comparison.
- Personalised quotes by postcode, meter type and payment method (not headline rates)
- Clear checks for exit fees, smart/standard meters and eligibility
- Estimated annual cost side-by-side with your current tariff
Prices and availability change frequently. Quotes are estimated and depend on your region, meter type, usage and payment method.
Fast answer: what’s the cheapest fixed tariff to switch to today?
There isn’t one single “cheapest fixed tariff” for everyone in the UK. The cheapest fixed deal for you depends mainly on: your region (distribution area), payment method (Direct Debit vs pay on receipt/prepay), meter type (smart/standard, single-rate or Economy 7) and your estimated annual usage.
Quick rule: The cheapest fixed deal is usually the one with the lowest estimated annual cost for your usage after considering standing charges, unit rates, any exit fees, and any time-of-use pricing (like Economy 7).
Key takeaways (read this first)
- Check the standing charge: a slightly lower unit rate can still cost more overall.
- Fix length matters: 12-month fixes can be cheaper than 24-month fixes, but price certainty differs.
- Exit fees: common on fixes; they matter if you might move or switch again.
- Economy 7: don’t pick a single-rate tariff if you rely on off-peak electricity (or vice versa).
- “Cheapest” should include service fit: bill options, app quality, customer support, smart meter support.
When a fixed tariff is usually a good idea
- You want price certainty for a set period.
- You’re budgeting tightly and want fewer surprises.
- You’ve found a deal that is lower than your current rate (based on your usage).
Heads up: if prices fall, you won’t automatically benefit during the fix unless you switch and pay any exit fees.
Compare today’s cheapest fixed deals for your postcode
We’ll show fixed tariffs you can switch to based on your home details. If you’re not sure about your meter or current tariff, you can still start — we’ll help you narrow it down.
What you’ll need: your postcode and (if possible) a recent bill or online account to confirm your tariff name and usage. Estimates still work if you don’t have exact numbers.
What happens after you submit?
- We match your region (electricity distribution area + gas network) from your postcode.
- We compare whole-of-market tariffs available to you, including fixed terms and key features.
- You pick a deal and we guide you through switching (your supply won’t be interrupted).
Prefer to understand the details first? Jump to fixed vs variable or costs & pitfalls.
Get your fixed tariff quotes
Privacy: we’ll use your details to provide quotes and switching support. We don’t promise that a fixed deal will always be cheaper than the price cap or your current tariff.
Fixed vs variable vs tracker: what “cheapest” can mean
When people search for the cheapest fixed tariff, they’re usually trying to minimise cost while avoiding surprise price rises. Here’s how the main tariff types compare in practice.
| Tariff type | How prices change | Typical pros | Typical watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed (e.g., 12 months) | Unit rates and standing charges are fixed for the term (unless contract allows limited changes). | Budget certainty; protects you if prices rise. | Exit fees; you may miss out if prices fall; best deal depends on region/usage. |
| Standard Variable (SVT / price cap) | Can change when the Ofgem price cap changes (typically quarterly). | Usually no exit fees; flexible. | Less certainty; may be higher than the best fixed deals available to you. |
| Tracker | Moves with an index (often wholesale-related) on a set schedule. | Can benefit when prices fall; transparent formula (check terms). | Can rise quickly; may still include exit fees; not ideal for tight budgets. |
Decision checklist: is a fixed tariff right now “cheapest” for you?
- It likely suits you if…
- You value predictable bills and you’d keep the tariff for most of the term.
- The estimated annual cost is lower than your current deal after standing charges and fees.
- You’re on single-rate electricity (or you’ve found a fixed Economy 7 that matches your usage split).
- It may not suit you if…
- You may move home soon (exit fees can apply per fuel).
- You have uncertain usage (e.g., major home changes) and want flexibility.
- You’re on prepay and the cheapest options are limited in your area.
Two realistic scenarios (with numbers)
These examples show how “cheapest” can change once standing charges and usage are included. Figures are illustrative.
Assumptions for both: dual fuel; Direct Debit; single-rate electricity; 365 days. Actual prices vary by region and supplier.
Scenario A: Low user flat (electric-only)
- Usage: 1,800 kWh electricity/year; no gas
- Deal 1 (fixed): 24.0p/kWh + 60p/day standing charge
- Deal 2 (fixed): 25.2p/kWh + 48p/day standing charge
Estimated annual cost:
Deal 1: (1,800 × £0.24) + (365 × £0.60) = £432 + £219 = £651
Deal 2: (1,800 × £0.252) + (365 × £0.48) = £454 + £175 = £629
Why this matters: lower standing charge can win for lower usage.
Scenario B: Family home (higher dual-fuel use)
- Usage: 3,200 kWh electricity/year; 12,000 kWh gas/year
- Deal 1 (fixed): Elec 24.0p/kWh + 60p/day; Gas 6.2p/kWh + 32p/day
- Deal 2 (fixed): Elec 25.2p/kWh + 48p/day; Gas 6.6p/kWh + 28p/day
Estimated annual cost:
Deal 1: Elec (3,200×£0.24)+(365×£0.60)=£768+£219=£987; Gas (12,000×£0.062)+(365×£0.32)=£744+£117=£861; Total £1,848
Deal 2: Elec (3,200×£0.252)+(365×£0.48)=£806+£175=£981; Gas (12,000×£0.066)+(365×£0.28)=£792+£102=£894; Total £1,875
Why this matters: at higher usage, unit rates can dominate over standing charge.
Costs, exclusions and common pitfalls (UK-specific)
Fixed tariffs can be great, but the cheapest-looking deal isn’t always the cheapest in real life. Here are the checks we recommend before switching.
1) Exit fees (per fuel)
Many fixes have exit fees for leaving early. Check whether fees apply for gas, electricity, or both, and whether fees apply if you move home.
Tip: If you think you’ll switch again within 6–12 months, a “cheap” fix with high exit fees may not be best value.
2) Standing charges vary by region
Standing charges differ across Great Britain due to network costs. That’s why a deal that’s “cheapest” in one area may be beaten elsewhere.
If you’re comparing deals yourself, always compare estimated annual cost, not only unit rates.
3) Economy 7 / time-of-use mismatch
If you have Economy 7, your savings depend on how much use you shift to off-peak. A single-rate fixed tariff can be more expensive for night-storage or EV charging.
Quick check: if your off-peak share is low (often under ~25–30%), Economy 7 may not be best — but check with your actual bills.
4) Payment method and eligibility
Some of the cheapest fixed rates are Direct Debit-only. If you pay on receipt of bill or use prepay, your options and prices may differ.
Also check eligibility rules: new-customer offers, online-only billing, or smart meter requirements.
5) Direct Debit levels are not your tariff price
A supplier’s suggested Direct Debit can be high or low depending on seasonality, debt/credit, and their policy. Judge “cheapness” using rates + standing charges and your usage.
6) Beware comparing without the same usage
If you use different consumption assumptions across quotes, the “cheapest” deal can flip. Use your annual kWh if you can (from your bill) or a consistent estimate.
Important: The Ofgem price cap applies to standard variable tariffs (and sets maximum unit rates/standing charges for those tariffs), not a cap on your total bill. Your actual bill depends on your usage.
FAQs
Are fixed tariffs cheaper than the price cap in the UK?
Sometimes. The Ofgem price cap affects standard variable tariff prices, not fixed deals. A fixed tariff can be cheaper or more expensive depending on your region, usage and the supplier’s current pricing.
Will my energy supply be interrupted if I switch?
No. Switching supplier doesn’t mean your gas or electricity turns off. Your network infrastructure stays the same; only the company billing you changes.
How long does switching take in Great Britain?
Many switches complete in around 5 working days (this can vary). You’ll get a supply start date from the new supplier. If there are meter or address issues, it may take longer.
Can I switch if I’m in debt to my current supplier?
It depends. For credit meters, suppliers can object to a switch in some situations. For prepay customers, there are specific rules (including the Debt Assignment Protocol) that may allow you to switch and carry debt. If you’re unsure, we’ll help you check options.
Do smart meters affect which fixed tariffs I can get?
Usually you can still switch, but some tariffs (especially time-of-use) may require a compatible smart meter. Also, smart features may temporarily work as a traditional meter after switching until configuration updates.
Is it cheaper to fix for 12 or 24 months?
It varies. A longer fix can cost more because you’re paying for longer price certainty, but not always. Compare based on estimated annual cost, exit fees, and how likely you are to stay for the full term.
What details make the biggest difference to “cheapest”?
Your electricity distribution region (from postcode), payment method, meter type (single-rate/Economy 7), and annual usage in kWh. Standing charges and unit rates can vary a lot by these factors.
Can tenants switch to a fixed tariff?
Often yes, if you pay the energy bills and the contract is in your name. If bills are included in rent or the landlord controls the supplier, switching may not be possible. Always check your tenancy agreement.
How we assess “cheapest fixed tariff” (methodology)
We aim to show you fixed tariffs that are genuinely good value for your household, not just the lowest headline unit rate. Our comparison focuses on the estimated cost you’re likely to pay based on the information you provide.
Inputs we use
- Postcode to determine your regional network charges.
- Fuel type (gas, electricity, or dual fuel).
- Meter type (single-rate, Economy 7; smart/standard where relevant).
- Payment method (e.g., Direct Debit, prepayment where offered).
- Usage (kWh/year) where you can provide it; otherwise we use a consistent estimate to illustrate costs.
How we rank tariffs
- Primary ranking: lowest estimated annual cost (unit rates + standing charges × 365, using your usage).
- Prominent flags: exit fees, contract length, payment/billing conditions, smart meter requirements.
- Quality checks: we highlight key terms so you can avoid mismatches (e.g., Economy 7 vs single-rate).
Limitations (what “cheapest” can’t guarantee)
- Prices can change daily; availability can be withdrawn at short notice.
- Your actual bills depend on real usage, meter reads, and any debt/credit adjustments.
- Some tariffs are restricted by eligibility (new customers only, online only, etc.).
- Tracker and time-of-use tariffs can behave very differently to fixed tariffs; we label them clearly.
Editorial promise: we don’t claim a deal will stay the cheapest. We help you compare transparently so you can make a confident decision today.
Trust signals
- Written by: EnergyPlus Editorial Team
- Reviewed by: Energy Specialist
- Last updated: May 2026
Ready to see the cheapest fixed deals available for your home?
Get a personalised comparison by postcode, then review key terms like exit fees and contract length before you switch.
Estimates shown in comparisons depend on the details you provide. Always check your tariff information label and contract terms before switching.
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